Dark Tranquillity

Biography

Leading exponents of the death metal style known as Göthenburg sound, Dark Tranquillity first came together in 1989. The bands original line-up comprised Anders Fridén (vocals), Martin Henriksson (bass), Anders Jivarp (drums), and former Hammerfall members Mikael Stanne (guitar) and Niklas Sundin (13 August 1974, Sweden; guitar). Their sound, a black metal take on 80s thrash, first came to light on the Trail Of Life Decayed demo. A pair of 7-inch singles followed before the final demo, Tranquillity. Their first full-length, 1993s Skydancer, overcame a patchy production and hinted at a greater sophistication to come. Melodic and melancholic, the album blended folk passages with fierce metallic riffs. By the time 1995s Of Chaos And Eternal Night EP was released, Fridén had joined In Flames. Stanne took over the vocals and newcomer Fredrik Johansson moved into the vacant guitar position. The Gallery saw a label change...